Bahamas: Bimini to New Providence, but pushed back to Andros

[k_setchfield]

We stayed one night only in Bimini. $30 for a slip was great. Cleared customs and they didn't even ask us about our cats! Sweet luck!!!

Got some ice and drinking water and checked the forecast again on our little $100 SSB receiver. winds turning to the East and strengthening for the next week. decided to get right back out there and try to cross the banks before it whipped up.

Got to sail with our gennaker for a while, but 30 miles into it and after the front passed over us, we doused it in fear of the squalls. Then the wind died completely. Damn. We just wrote all about how we want to be sailors not motor boaters, and here we are in the middle of nowhere. No land in sight. 20 feet of water. Strong earterly coming soon and it'll be right on the nose.

So we fired up the honda.

30 miles to go before the Tongue of the Ocean, and then the east winds started. Damn we should have started the motor sooner. The banks can build up nasty chop since they are 20 feet deep for 60 miles or so.

Sun set. almost full moon rose. anchored in 15 feet at the east end of the banks in the calmest conditions ever. (videos on our blog).

Slept a few hours. sun rose. motored into the 10-15 knot winds now heading for the 6,000 foot deep tongue of the ocean. 30 miles out with 16 to go we were popping wheelies every 4 seconds banging heaviliy into nasty chop and worrying about making landfall before dark.

Worried about stressing out our little vessel, stressing the rigging, stressing our selves. Our boat is old, and we are new sailors. we dont want to stress. We were trying to make it to New Providence (island with Nassau on it) so we could get to the Exumas before the strong east winds hit so we could catch up with some cruising friends that are already there. Dont do that! cruise on your own terms!!!

Turned west and flew on a nice broad reach to a sweet little anchorage on Andros rather than New Providence. What a difference! The sail was totally lovely and beautiful.

here there is fresh water...unlimited fresh water. it's the only island in the bahama with springs. there are blue holes, lots of fresh produce, and almost nobody goes here because the waters are shallow.

gotta love the 4 foot draft! We love using our boat's strengths!So we'll be here for a week because the winds are strong out of the east and getting stronger. then we'll hop to the exumas as we can.

photos, videos, and more on our blog, of course.

Just wish we had some beaching legs so we could scrub our bottom on a nice low tide!!! She's getting fuzzy in these warm waters!

Capt'n K
s/v Wee Happy

The Adventures of Capt'n K & Lala | From the Rat Race to a life of sustainability, for better or worse…

 

[pjacobs55]

Hi Capt'n K,
I just beached my Vega yesterday (zinc change and knotmeter paddle repair) and I've come to the conclusion you only need one leg for one-tide beachings. It doesn't take much to hold the boat almost upright. Just make sure not to move over to the other side or the boat will tip over!

WARNING: THE FOLLOWING IDEAS ARE BASED ON PURE CONJECTURE, NOT PERSONAL EXPERIENCE, AND ALL THE OTHER USUAL DISCLAIMERS!!!

I'd try a spinnaker pole with maybe a 1 foot square piece of plywood lashed to the end, to spread the load. Make sure the next tide rises as high or higher than the one you beach on.

Beach on the ebb, not the top of the tide, and when you are touching bottom move your weight to one side of the boat so it leans over slightly as the tide drops.

Lash the spinnaker pole to the aft lower shroud on the low side, with a line tied from the top pole loop to the chainplate loop to prevent slippage.

The closer you stay to upright the less load on the pole, but you need enough angle (10 degrees or so) to keep the boat there.

The worst that could happen? You all rush over to the side with no leg to look at something and end up with Wee Happy laying on her side with her leg in the air. But not to worry, as I've heard the Vega will right itself on a rising tide ;-)

The other thing you could try is beach close to the end of the ebb, with maybe a foot or so to go, and hop into the water to give the hull a scrub on the high side. Next tide, repeat the process on the other side.

I understand the tidal range around there is only about three feet, so you'll never see the bottom of the keel dry anyway.

One thing to watch out for (apart from sharks) is doing this in an area of swells or power boat wakes. A beached boat is very vulnerable while still partially afloat.

One more tip: check the bottom for rocks or protrusions, as the aft end of the keel is hollow fiberglass and could be punctured. The rudder seems well designed for this kind of adventure, as it's slightly above the keel and remains free when aground on a firm bottom.

Enjoy your cruising!

Peter
#1331 'Sin Tacha'

 

[winslowbuoy]

At ten degrees heel I always feel a bit vulnerable, I try to aim for 5% heel but
I agree this is a bit precarious if there is a bit of swell and a hard bottom. I
usually find a five gallon water container on the side deck is enough to ensure
movement in one direction

At one time I made a pair of legs from aluminium scaffolding poles with a spiked
plate on the bottom and an adapted scaffolding clamp which used to clamp against
the u bolt for the main stay then I would run a fore and aft guy from the bottom
of the legs to steady it.

It worked fine but I haven' t used them for years as they took up too much room
on board.
Mike________________________________
From: Peter peter@...
To: AlbinVega@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Friday, 22 April, 2011 4:48:32
Subject: [AlbinVega] Re:Beaching legs


Hi Capt'n K,
I just beached my Vega yesterday (zinc change and knotmeter paddle repair) and
I've come to the conclusion you only need one leg for one-tide beachings. It
doesn't take much to hold the boat almost upright. Just make sure not to move
over to the other side or the boat will tip over!

WARNING: THE FOLLOWING IDEAS ARE BASED ON PURE CONJECTURE, NOT PERSONAL
EXPERIENCE, AND ALL THE OTHER USUAL DISCLAIMERS!!!

I'd try a spinnaker pole with maybe a 1 foot square piece of plywood lashed to
the end, to spread the load. Make sure the next tide rises as high or higher
than the one you beach on. Beach on the ebb, not the top of the tide, and when you are touching bottom move
your weight to one side of the boat so it leans over slightly as the tide drops. Lash the spinnaker pole to the aft lower shroud on the low side, with a line
tied from the top pole loop to the chainplate loop to prevent slippage. The closer you stay to upright the less load on the pole, but you need enough
angle (10 degrees or so) to keep the boat there.

The worst that could happen? You all rush over to the side with no leg to look
at something and end up with Wee Happy laying on her side with her leg in the
air. But not to worry, as I've heard the Vega will right itself on a rising tide
;-)

The other thing you could try is beach close to the end of the ebb, with maybe a
foot or so to go, and hop into the water to give the hull a scrub on the high
side. Next tide, repeat the process on the other side.

I understand the tidal range around there is only about three feet, so you'll
never see the bottom of the keel dry anyway.

One thing to watch out for (apart from sharks) is doing this in an area of
swells or power boat wakes. A beached boat is very vulnerable while still
partially afloat.

One more tip: check the bottom for rocks or protrusions, as the aft end of the
keel is hollow fiberglass and could be punctured. The rudder seems well designed
for this kind of adventure, as it's slightly above the keel and remains free
when aground on a firm bottom.

Enjoy your cruising!

Peter
#1331 'Sin Tacha'

 

[pjacobs55]

Ahh yes, the Prime Law of boat gear:
"Every piece of equipment added to a boat shall perform at least two functions".

Peter
#1331 'Sin Tacha'

 

[groundhogyh]

Very enjoyable reading of your travels. Thankyou for the notes.
Cat(S)?
gh

 

[k_setchfield]

Wow, I'd never have expected that the spin pole would be strong enough. Thank's for the idea and the inspiration! We've got a half a gallon of antifoulign paint, and I'm dying to get it at least partially on and there are no travel lifts here anywhere.

I'll think about your ideas and see what we can work out. It would be so good to get some new paint on!

Thanks Peter!

 

[schroath]

Don't think that for a moment, Capt. K! We love to read about your
Vegan adventures and only wish we were there, too!

Jody
S/V Snipp (still on the hard, sigh)

 

[pjacobs55]

Kris,
Just make sure it's a good strong pole, and remember that it's easy to hold something upright close to it's point of balance, but once it leans a certain amount past that you need some serious support, or at least have your running shoes on!

The second time I used the legs I put the boat in a spot where there was a hole under one leg. As the water was murky I couldn't see it. The tide started receding and Sin Tacha took on an alarming list to starboard. I quickly rowed out my 10kg bruce anchor to port, attached the rode to the main halyard, and restored the boat to vertical using the mast as a lever. It can get exciting!

Peter
#1331 'Sin Tacha'

 

[capnscruffy]

I too love hearing from the Wee Happy and avidly follow your blog. Don't stop please : )
Sent on the Sprint? Now Network from my BlackBerry?

 

[dougpol1]

On 04/24/2011 11:38 AM, k_setchfield wrote:

 

[vegatern]

I read every word, enjoy every picture, then scour the atlas to see where you are and where you might be going next. Keep writing. I'm enjoying the trip. Craig

 

[k_setchfield]

Thanks guys for your comments and feedback!

Looks like we'll be staying here for another day or two. The winds are turning south but not south enough for a beam reach to the exumas. we may need to close haul it in the 3 second period waves. ugh. so we will wait a bit to let the seas lay down. looks like another good day to dive the reefs!!!

found the camera waterproof bag. will take shots underwater today.

hoping for some nice grouper or snapper for lunch! There are so many fish here, and the reef is amazingly beautiful....almost healthy!

Captn K
wee happy

 

[mphalv]

Kris, we are absolutely loving your messages and blog! Gives us the chance to relive our cruises in Double Fantasy which were almost identical to yours. Started out in Maine after quitting our jobs and selling most everything we owned; cruised to Florida, then two separate trips to the Bahamas, first to Exuma chain, second to the Abacos. Our crossings were also at night (the best time) and we did anchor out a night on the banks. Ultimately did sail back to Maine, but hope to repeat the Bahama cruise when we retire in a few years. Enjoyed every minute of it (well, except for engine problems!), and hope you will as well!

Smooth sailing,

Melanie & Paul Halvachs
V1826 Double Fantasy
Holden, Maine

 

[scajax]

We are on vega 2660...mini pearl...in bimimi....headed to nasau wed...4/27.....also vega.......raindrop ...in the exumas going back to Fla.........maybe we all meet up.....espin

 

[tim_klynn]

If you guys make it down to the BVI's, I just got back tonight from a 7 day charter there and might be able to answer questions (anchoring spots, moorings, cheapest/best food and liquor prices etc). Not that being there for 7 days makes me an expert...-Tim

 

[imbissfrank]

Hi Paul & Melanie,
Those were some great times, in the 80's , Florida Keys, Bahamas before GPS ! I also love reading about their adventures, memories of anchoring out on the Banks, Chub Key, iguanas on Allens Key, jeez, I would love to get Cin Cin back in those beautiful waters. My wife misses conch salad, but not the sea sickness. Somehow, even if I have to charter, I will return. In the meantime Cin Cin is in dire need of an engine, which I plan to order from Steve sometime this month. She has seen better times, I'll probably spend the rest of the summer getting her ship-shape. Take care, and hope to see you guys again. I think I have some pic's of Double Fantasy at the Marina in Daytona, did I ever send you copies???

MSG Frank Gallardo Jr.
U.S. Army Special Forces Retired